Crusaders beat Larne to reach CA Shield final

Crusaders will defend their County Antrim Shield title in the final after beating Larne 1-0 in the semis.

Paul Heatley's second half header proved to be the difference between the Crues and the runaway leaders of the Championship.

In an evenly matched first half, both sides struggled to make a creative breakthrough, with the Crues limited to Heatley's dipping volley from 20 yards in the 19th minute.

Larne had soft shouts for a penalty turned away early in the second half after David Scullion was pulled back by Kyle Owens, and captain Jeff Hughes then drew a routine save with a shot from distance.

Crusaders then went close after Billy Joe Burns shot from distance in the second half after intercepting a loose pass by Shane McEleny, but his effort was palmed over by Michael Dougherty.

The breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute when Heatley nipped in behind the Larne defence to meet Ross Clarke's whipped cross and flick a header beyond the keeper.

The winger had a good chance to double his tally, and Crusaders' lead, in the 81st minute, but his finish was tame after being released by Clarke.

Ultimately it made no difference as Crusaders hung on to reach the final.